James Harden takes part in a basketball clinic for students in Taipei.

James Harden takes part in a basketball clinic for students in Taipei.

Photo: Mandy Cheng / AFP/Getty Images

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James Harden takes part in a basketball clinic for students in Taipei.

James Harden takes part in a basketball clinic for students in Taipei.

Photo: Mandy Cheng / AFP/Getty Images

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James Harden speaks during a news conference on Friday after giving a basketball clinic to students in Taipei.

James Harden speaks during a news conference on Friday after giving a basketball clinic to students in Taipei.

Photo: Mandy Cheng / AFP/Getty Images

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Pacers forward Paul George, left, and James Harden attend a news conference after giving a basketball clinic to students in Taipei on Friday.

Pacers forward Paul George, left, and James Harden attend a news conference after giving a basketball clinic to students in Taipei on Friday.

Photo: Mandy Cheng / AFP/Getty Images

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Harden, George rematches in Manila, Taipei huge change from last season

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When Pacers guard Paul George’s reputation was beginning to take off last season and all star buzz was increasing, he dominated a match up with James Harden, offering a glimpse of the post-season performances to come. George held Harden to 5 of 19 shooting for 17 points while scoring 31 on 11 of 19 shooting.

George, however, said that game did nothing to bolster his confidence, having already known what he could do.

“I’ve always played that way,” George said before the second of the teams’ Global Games match ups. “It was just the NBA was getting around to seeing it. Every night, I’m coming out to go against the best guys and want to compete and outplay the best guy every night I step on the floor. I always tell myself I try to be the best player on the court at all times. That’s all that was, me trying to dominate that game.”

George also won the rematch, holding James to 6 of 24 shooting for 22 points, though George also struggled offensively, making 4 of 17 shots in the Pacers’ win.

Harden had 21 points in 27 minutes in the Rockets’ win in Manila. He had 13 in the first half in Taipei as the Rockets led 55-40.

“James is kind of changing the way the shooting guard position is played,” George said. “He’s such a physical player, one of the best, if not the best player in this league at getting to the free throw line as a guard. It’s crazy how physical he gets and able to get all that contact and sustain all that contact and dish it out. Myself as well, being a big guard and long guard, taking after guys like Tracy McGrady and Penny Hardaway that I always looked up to.”